Current Obsessions
May 2, 2025
The spring is passing quickly. We know this to be true in Raleigh, not because the calendar has flipped to May or because the average high temperature this week has been in the low 90s, but because our grass and weed pollens have eclipsed our tree pollens. I personally think— and I know many residents of the Triangle agree with me— that the tree pollens were the worst I’ve ever seen. I would wash off the car or the front porch, and within a couple of hours, it would look just as it had before. For the first time, my son needed to take an antihistamine everyday for three weeks. My husband insists that people say every year that it’s the worst pollen they’ve experienced and therefore this statement couldn’t possibly be true. But I feel validated, because the American Lung Association says that climate change is causing pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer, which leads to more severe allergy symptoms. Court is adjourned.
Now that my suffering is subsiding, I can obsess about the Conclave, which is set to begin May 7. I am a longtime admirer of Father Jim Martin, SJ, who is based in New York City and who provided much of ABC News’s commentary during Pope Francis’s funeral. He’s still in Rome and has been posting updates on social media as well as reporting for America, the Jesuit magazine, on the behind the scenes. While oddsmakers are betting on the top papal candidates, Martin advises his followers to ignore the rumors and predictions about which cardinals may have an advantage. He argues that no one with any real knowledge is talking about the precursory gatherings, and if they are, they are speaking in “generalities”— focusing on topics like unity or spirituality— not about specific individuals.
Which cardinal will get voted off the island?
I’m fairly convinced Ralph Fiennes won’t be the next Bishop of Rome, but already there has been some intrigue worthy of Hollywood. The Vatican announced this week that 133 cardinals will vote on the Successor of St. Peter, despite the fact that Vatican rules limit the number of voting cardinals to 120. The cardinals decided that the fact that Francis created more than 120 cardinals under the age of 80 should supersede the numerical limit. (Yes, Francis named 80% of the College of Cardinals.) Also this week, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, who claimed he had a right to participate in the Conclave despite the fact that Pope Francis forced him to resign from Vatican administration and from his rights as a cardinal over allegations of financial misconduct, said he had decided to “obey the will of Francis not to enter the Conclave while remaining convinced of my innocence.” So dramatic!
That’s enough Catholic inside baseball. If you need more of the wonderful Father Martin in your life, check out this conservation . Here’s what else I’m Currently Obsessed with
Full disclosure: John Hamm has been my hall pass ever since Don Draper presented that Kodak carousel in season one of Mad Men. That being said, I wasn’t initially hooked on Apple TV+’s Your Friends and Neighbors. The show follows Hamm’s Andrew Cooper- “Coop”- who is fired from his job as a hedge fund manager and begins stealing from his friends and neighbors to maintain his expensive lifestyle. In the first episode, I was turned off by too much of that obnoxious, rapid-pace, pseudo-witty banter we’ve all seen way too many times on way too many shows.
I also suspect Your Friends and Neighbors may have an identity crisis. It doesn’t seem to know what it’s supposed to be (soapy drama, morality tale, crime series?) and what to focus on. Viewers are given a lot of background and subplots about an awful lot of characters (Coop’s ex-wife played by Amanda Peet seems to regret her infidelity and subsequent divorce. Olivia Munn, as Coop’s sometime hook-up, is mortified by her ex husband’s antics. Coop’s sister, played by Lena Hall, is trying to regain her footing as she contends with bipolar disorder. I could go on and on.) I doubt the writers will be able to give all of these subplots they’ve introduced adequate attention. More importantly, they detract from the main story.
But I have stuck with the show, drawn not only to Hamm and his inimitable Mercedes-Benz ad voiceover narrating, but also, I’ll admit, I find aspirational television relaxing. I’m drawn to lifestyle porn: expensive watches, luxury handbags and gorgeous real estate. [Fun fact: the show is set in Westmont Village, a fictional suburb of New York City (the name a wink to Westchester County), but it’s filmed in the Hudson Valley. According to Decider, the Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Briarcliff Manor, NY, is Coop’s tennis club. Many of charming street scenes were shot in Rye, NY.] So if Patek Phillippe is your vibe, you may wish to tune in.
I also think Your Friends and Neighbors does an excellent job of exploring a phenomenon we’ve discussed in previous Current Obsessions: no one wants to be poor and no one believes that they’re rich. (I am hoping it also addresses class warfare issues at some point.) Do I think it’s excellent television? No, but it’s solid escapism and the thrill of watching Hamm evade sticky situations is quite satisfying.
A vibrant Violeta Pisenti skirt, a Kujten pastel bandana (top right) and a Maison Lecomte Flament reimagined classic (bottom right)
Perhaps bandanas never go out of style, but I’m convinced the ultimate American accessory is in for a big summer. I’ve noticed bandanas popping up everywhere lately— most notably in luxe materials: cashmere, silk and wool combos, the softest cotton voile. For women, I love seeing them tied as sarongs or made into skirts. It’s a look that can take you from spring straight through to fall. Paired with a white tee or a simple button down, a large bandana becomes a sophisticated stand-in for cutoff denim shorts. (And if you’re feeling bold, a bandana makes a cute top for concerts and music festivals.) I love a guy in a bandana as well. Not the red handkerchief version, but a neutral khaki around the neck, worn with a denim button down and khaki jeans. (Guys, check out Buck Mason and Sid Mashburn for ideas.) I’ve rounded up my favorites here, and I’m excited to introduce you to some new designers!
Viola Pisenti is an Italian designer who makes the most adorable bandana skirts that come in a dozen colors. She has very generously offered my subscribers free shipping (normally $20 to the U.S.) as well as a discount, via this link. I can’t wait for my skirt to arrive! (The code is bandanalove let me know if you have any problems getting it to work.)
I own one of Maison Lecomte Flament’s chic wool and silk bandanas, and I can attest that it is a super versatile piece, especially for airplane travel. Layered with a thin sweater over a t-shirt, you will be comfortable in the air and stylish upon landing. I love that they come in so many different sizes, designs and materials. Use my code EMILY15 for 15% off for a French take on the American West. I will definitely add to my collection!
Kujten’s cashmere bandanas have developed a cult following. Their beautiful pastel scarves are really unique, and the Africa collection in particular caught my eye. They ship to the U.S., and first time customers can take advantage of 5% off.
For Iranian eyes only: Picasso comes out of hiding
I was completely stunned by a story last week from NBC News about a collection of Picasso masterpieces going on display for the first time in 30 years. The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art in Iran’s capital city is showcasing a new exhibit of 26 works by the Spanish painter, including: Portrait of a Man, Cry of War and Echo of Sorrow. For decades, these pieces along with works by Van Gogh, Warhol, Bacon, Dali and Pollock have been kept hidden in the museum’s basement. Only a small portion of these pieces have been exhibited since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, when the clerics led by Ayatollah Khomeinni deemed the art inappropriate for public display. Its subjects and depictions were considered taboo for religious sensitivities and political reasons. The collection, purchased by Farah Pahlavi, the exiled widow of the last Shah of Iran, is thought to be worth as much as $3 billion. Pahlavi’s cousin, architect Kamran Diba, designed the museum, which was built in 1977.
In recent years, the museum has been permitted to display more of its permanent collection, which has thrilled Iranians who appreciate the arts. An exhibition called Eye to Eye opened in October 2024 and had to be extended twice due to popular demand. Unfortunately for Americans, Iran remains on the State Department’s Level 4 Travel Advisory, so we won’t be able to see this marvelous collection any time soon.
Shirokuro Sushi stepped straight out of a comic book.
Quick Hits:
It’s National Matcha Day and this is my current favorite. The vanilla is subtle, and I think it helps ensure your matcha won’t taste bitter. I’ve been using this matcha powder for several months now, and it’s especially nice in an iced matcha latte.
The glorious Frick Collection finally reopened after nearly five years and a $220 million renovation. It’s definitely on my next NYC itinerary.
Speaking of NYC, I may also need to check out this incredible sushi restaurant. Shirokuro is a 2D black and white work of art (the bold outlines were drawn by hand, check out their Instagram) in the East Village. I imagine the fish really pops against this fun backdrop.
Have you picked out your Met Gala look yet? Given that the theme is Superfine Tailoring Black Style, for inspiration I would naturally gravitate towards the sapeurs of the Demorcatic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo, who have taken such pride in their eye-catching ensembles since the 1920s. I’ve posted about this coffee table book on sapeurs before on my IG. It’s is one of my all time favorites.
If you are considering a visit to the OBX this summer, you may wish to stay at the The Sanderling Resort, which boasts a “top to bottom transformation” as well as a new restaurant collaboration with North Carolina’s favorite daughter Chef Vivian Howard. Sounds like it’s time for a road trip!
Xoxo, Emily